1979⚡ Event
Penmanshiel Tunnel collapse
The Penmanshiel Tunnel in Scotland collapsed during construction, killing two workers and leading to its abandonment.
disastertechnology
What Happened on March 17?
Discover 15 historical moments on March 17 — 5 events, 5 birthdays, and 5 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.
sportswarpoliticsentertainmentdisastertechnologyreligioneconomics
Hero image inspired by: Eritrean War of Independence
Historical Events on March 17(5)
1988⚡ Event
Battle of Afabet
Eritrean People's Liberation Front troops encircled Ethiopian forces, gaining a decisive victory in the Eritrean War of Independence.
war
2000⚡ Event
Ugandan sect mass murder
Hundreds of followers of the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God, a Ugandan sect, died in a mass murder committed by its leaders.
religion
2004⚡ Event
Unrest in Kosovo
Unrest in Kosovo broke out, resulting in deaths, injuries, and the destruction of several Serb Orthodox churches and shrines.
politicswar
2011⚡ Event
UN Resolution 1973
The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1973, authorizing military intervention in Libya to protect civilians during the First Libyan Civil War.
politicswar
Famous Birthdays on March 17(5)
Notable Deaths on March 17(5)
2021🕊️ Death
John Magufuli
John Magufuli, the fifth President of Tanzania, died on March 17, 2021.
politics
2023🕊️ Death
Lance Reddick
Lance Reddick, an American actor known for his roles in The Wire and John Wick, died on March 17, 2023.
entertainment
2025🕊️ Death
John Hemingway
John Hemingway, Irish fighter pilot and last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, died.
war
March 17 in History
March 17 is home to 15 recorded historical entries in our collection, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1979 to the present day.
Major Events on March 17
Among the most notable events on March 17: Penmanshiel Tunnel collapse (1979), Battle of Afabet (1988), Ugandan sect mass murder (2000). View all events →
Famous Birthdays on March 17
Notable figures born on March 17 include Claressa Shields, Katie Ledecky, Daniel Sprong. View all birthdays →
Notable Deaths on March 17
Remembered figures who died on March 17 include Mike MacDonald, John Magufuli, Lance Reddick. View all →
Browse what happened on March 16 or March 18, explore the full month of March, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on March 17?
- March 17 is home to 15 recorded historical entries, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 notable deaths.
- What is the most notable event on March 17?
- One of the most notable events on March 17 is: Penmanshiel Tunnel collapse.
- Who was born on March 17?
- Famous figures born on March 17 include Claressa Shields, Katie Ledecky, Daniel Sprong.
- How many historical events happened on March 17?
- Our collection records 5 historical events on March 17, spanning centuries of world history.
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